Solar PV Panels Ireland

Solar Panel FAQs

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Thinking about installing solar panels for your home or business? It’s a great way to reduce your energy bills and contribute to a more sustainable future. However, you might have some questions before making the leap. In this blog post, we’re answering the most frequently asked questions about solar panels to help you make an informed decision.

1. How do solar panels work?

Solar panels work by converting sunlight into electricity. They’re made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells that capture sunlight and turn it into electrical energy. The cells generate direct current (DC) electricity, which is then converted into alternating current (AC) by an inverter, making it usable for your home or business. The more sunlight your panels receive, the more energy they produce!

2. Are solar panels suitable for homes in Ireland?

Yes! While Ireland doesn’t have as much sunlight as some other countries, solar panels can still work effectively here. Solar technology has improved over the years, and modern solar panels are designed to capture and convert even the limited sunlight we receive. With long summer days and moderate winters, Ireland offers a perfect environment for solar energy, especially when combined with battery storage for night-time use.

3. How long do solar panels last?

Solar panels are built to last a long time. The average lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years, and many panels continue to produce energy beyond that. Over time, the efficiency of your solar panels will gradually decrease, but they’ll still generate electricity. It’s worth noting that most solar manufacturers offer warranties for 20-25 years, so you’ll have peace of mind knowing your investment is protected.

4. Do I need a battery to go solar?

No, you don’t have to have a battery, but adding one can increase the benefits of your solar system. Without a battery, you’ll use the energy generated by your panels in real time, and any excess power will be sent to the grid. However, if you add a battery storage system, you can store any extra energy for later use—like at night or on cloudy days. This allows you to maximise the use of your solar energy and save even more on electricity costs.

5. How much do solar panels cost to install in Ireland?

The cost of a PV solar panel system can vary depending on its size and components. For an average home installation, you might expect a ballpark cost of around €7,000–€10,000 after the SEAI grant is applied. Larger systems or adding a battery will increase the price (for example, a bigger setup with battery storage could be higher). Commercial installations tend to be on a bigger scale and while they cost more in total, they often have a lower cost per kilowatt due to economies of scale. It’s best to get a tailored quote for an exact figure.

6. What grants or incentives are available for solar panel installations in Ireland?

Ireland offers attractive incentives to help offset the cost of going solar. The main one for homeowners is the SEAI Solar PV grant, which currently provides up to €1,800 towards a home solar installation (the grant amount depends on your system size). This grant significantly reduces the upfront expense and is available to most homeowners with houses built before 2021 who haven’t used the scheme before. Businesses and other organizations can benefit from the SEAI’s Non-Domestic Microgeneration Scheme, which offers generous support (grants can cover a portion of installation costs up to €162,600 for commercial systems). These incentives, along with potential tax benefits for businesses, make solar more affordable for both homes and companies.

7. Do I need planning permission to install solar panels in Ireland?

No, in most cases  you don’t need planning permission for solar panels on your roof in Ireland. Recent changes to building regulations (introduced in 2022) allow nearly all homes to install solar panels on their rooftops without any planning approval, regardless of roof size or panel coverage. The same exemptions apply to most commercial, agricultural, and public buildings as well. In special situations, for example, if your building is a protected structure or is very close to an airport or in an architectural conservation area, there might be planning restrictions but for the vast majority of homeowners and business owners installing solar panels does not require planning permission.

8. How long does the solar panel installation process take?

Installing solar panels is a fairly quick process. The on-site installation itself usually only takes 1–2 days for a standard home system. And the bulk of the work is completed outside so there is very little disruption for the homeowner. But be aware that the whole process can from signing a contract and submitting grant applications to having your system up and running will typically a few weeks. Most residential projects are completed within 4–8 weeks from the time you place an order to the moment your panels are generating power.

9. How much can I save with solar panels and how long is the payback period?

A well-designed solar PV system can significantly cut your electricity bills. Many homeowners see their monthly electricity costs drop by 50% or more after going solar, especially if the system is sized to cover a large portion of their energy usage. In Ireland, the payback period for a typical solar installation (the time it takes for the energy savings to equal the initial cost) is often around 6 to 8 years. Thanks to the grant and high electricity prices, some systems can even pay for themselves in as little as five years. After that break-even point, the electricity your panels produce is essentially free so you continue to save on bills every year. Plus, if your panels produce more power than you use, you can earn credits or payments by exporting the surplus to the grid through your energy provider.

10. Do I need a south-facing roof for solar panels to work effectively?

Not necessarily. While a south-facing roof will generally capture the most sunlight in Ireland (giving you the maximum energy output), solar panels can still perform very well on east- or west-facing roofs. The only orientation that isn’t ideal is north-facing, which gets little direct sun in our region (so it’s generally not recommended for solar PV). More important than perfect orientation is having decent sun exposure: a roof that isn’t heavily shaded by trees or buildings will yield the best results. Thanks to modern solar technology, panels are quite efficient even in Ireland’s climate and will produce power on cloudy days and in indirect light. An installer will assess your roof’s orientation and shading during a site survey to ensure your system is designed for the best possible performance.

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